Suavecito Anejo Tequila Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Destiladora de Agave Azul, S.A. de C.V. (NOM 1424)
• MASH BILL: 100% Blue Webber agave
• AGE: 2 years in ex-bourbon barrels
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 70 (35% ABV) ... Read to learn why this low proof is acceptable.
• MSRP: $59.99
• BUY ONLINE: Suavecito store locator

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Friends who like aged tequila, particularly one paired with dessert, and newcomers to the spirit.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle

OVERALL: Suavecito was created for tequila-curious drinkers who want spirits that are "smooth" and without "the burn." Fairly or not, people often credit tequila with burning their throats when swallowed. Sometimes, such comments are deserved since poorly made tequila is coarse. But not surprisingly, others forget to blame the way they consume tequila: by the shot. Gulping down almost any spiritous beverage can burn if 1. it's poorly made, 2. the drinker isn't used to consuming spirits neat, or 3. consuming tequila on the heels of certain spicy foods. That's asking for trouble. Bottom line: Drink better tequila and reassess all that you've thought about the spirit.

As I wrote, Suavecito aims to cut such complaints off at the pass in name (soft is essentially the definition of Suavecito) and product. It achieves that softness two ways. Firstly, it adds up to 2 percent of mieles dulces (sweet, unfermented agave nectar collected during roasting) to the spirit. In addition to sweetening and softening it, it adds pleasant mouthfeel and, particularly in this aged expression, weight on the palate.

Secondly, it's bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV), 10 proof below the minimum allowable 80 proof for tequila shipped to the U.S. This is permissible because the unfermented agave nectar is a natural byproduct of the process, and not what Mexican authorities consider an aboconate, a legal but fabricated sweetener such as aspartame. So, the TTB classifies it as a Distilled Specialty Product and a flavored tequila.  

What you get in the case of Suavecito is a pretty good spirit that's free of any rough edges. Add on two years aging in ex-bourbon barrels and you get genuinely good aromas and flavors. The nose, for example signals its rich character centered on deeply caramelized agave and black pepper. If you want to know what a tequila distillery smells like without ever visiting one, this is about as close as it gets. Aromas of spiced sugar/spiced nuts, eucalyptus and toasted oak also weigh in nicely.

The cooked agave and black pepper translate vividly to the palate followed by a little flat Sprite, cotton candy, honey, golden raisin and a dessert-like character born of the mieles dulces added to the spirit. The finish is predictably creamy and nicely reflective of its long aging. Granted, it's a sweet finish, but that's easily offset in a margarita or with some savory snacks. If you're looking for tequila that's sweeter yet additive free, this is a great option.

BRAND NOTES

TASTING NOTES:

• Aroma: Sweet agave mixed with wood oak, topped with a cherry twist
• Color: Deep amber/burnished gold
• Flavor: Crisp mint balances oak-infused chocolate indulgence
• Finish: Smooth with a mellow harmony of bold complexity

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.